A new movement that has become fashionable in recent years, slow tourism is gradually beginning to make its mark on the travel industry. This craze is reflected in a change in worldview. Ecology and environmental impact are pushing tourists to rethink their holidays.
This is why some cities, particularly in the south of France, are now promoting slow tourism, with more ecological activities.
ACTIVITIES WITH YOUR FEET IN THE WATER, UNDERGROUND OR ON THE SUMMIT
to stay cool all day
For those who like a thrill, a whole programme of activities promises active days without overheating. From a quiet canoe trip on the Rhone to a guided canyoning trip, not forgetting exploration of the depths of caves and cavities, count on the guides of the Vaucluse to help you discover the hidden sides of our landscapes.
More of a classic family activity? Go to the top of Mont Serein, where a whole host of activities await young and old.
The Vaucluse, along the water…
If water is rare in Provence, it is all the more precious and appreciated. Discover our ideas for outings to take a breath of fresh air in the heart of summer…
Canoeing down the Sorgue
The Sorgue river has its source in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. It is possible for the whole family to paddle down the river over a distance of 8 km to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
Navigate the pure and transparent waters of the river in complete safety, two passages are done on foot, the rest is within the reach of beginners.
Go ahead for the Beaver Island and the Partage des Eaux.
Les Salettes water level, in Mormoiron
With sandy beaches and a picnic area in the shade of large willows, the Salettes lake is located in Mormoiron.
Swimming is supervised during the summer by lifeguards. At the edge of the lake, the restaurant “la Cahute” with shaded terrace and panoramic view.
In the shade of the large pine trees, we also recommend the “Ventoux Aventure” tree climbing course.
Walk in l’Isle sur Sorgue…
A breath of fresh air in L’Isle sur Sorgue…
L’Isle sur Sorgue is world famous for its antique market and its numerous art galleries. Crossed by several canals fed by the Sorgue river, the village is called ‘the Venice of Comtadine’. You will appreciate its charm as you stroll along the canals that weave their way through the narrow, ancient streets. You will pass over small bridges and follow the work of the large mossy paddle wheels driven by the Sorgue…
You can also go to our holiday rental booking section to discover the magnificent villas we have in L’Isle sur Sorgue.
An afternoon at the Toulourenc river
The Toulourenc has all the makings of a mountain stream, flowing just behind the Ventoux in a natural setting of the same name, the Toulourenc valley.
This city can be reached via Entrechaux, or from Malaucène by following the small road that passes near Beaumont-du-Ventoux to reach the hamlet of Vaux.
Between the hamlet of Vaux and Saint-Léger-du-Ventoux, there are gorges that you can walk through. All along the Toulourenc river you will find many places where you can enjoy the freshness of the water and where children can play at being trappers.
Don’t miss the beautiful hilltop village of Brantes with its magnificent Romanesque bridge over the Toulourenc.
The lake of Paty, in Caromb
A few kilometres from Caromb, at the foot of Mont Ventoux, nestles the lake held back by a dam. Surrounded by pines and holm oaks, it is above all a place for fishing, walking and relaxation where picnic tables have been set up. In summer, swimming is not supervised, but allowed in a delimited area.
To eat, there is a small snack bar under the plane trees.
Fontaine de Vaucluse
Discover Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, an emblematic village of the Luberon. It is here that the famous source of the Sorgue springs. It gave its name to the department.
A chasm of poetic and powerful waters
The source of the Sorgue, the most important resurgence in Europe, is a geological curiosity that has long challenged man. The flow of water from the chasm traditionally attracts crowds, especially in the spring, when the bubbling waters provide a spectacle of rare intensity. The beauty of this natural site, now jealously preserved, has made it a favourite with poets such as Petrarch, Boccaccio, Chateaubriand, Mistral and Char.
A place shaped by legends and the work of men
Numerous traces of the village’s glorious past charm the visitor, such as the remains of the Château des Évêques de Cavaillon (12th century). The Church of Saint-Véran-Sainte-Marie, classified as a Historic Monument, was built on the ruins of a pagan temple. It is dedicated to the Saint who, according to legend, delivered the region from a fearsome monster, the Couloubre. In the centre of the village stands a column erected in 1804 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Petrarch’s birth.
At the time, the village was the site of a literary and romantic pilgrimage that attracted the greatest talents of French literature, such as Lamartine, Chateaubriand, Stendhal and Georges Sand. Further on, the remains of a Roman canal remind us of the vital importance of the site for the irrigation of the surrounding agricultural land.
Although the paper industry still attracts many curious visitors today, people also come to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to discover the skills of craftsmen in many fields, such as glass and crystal spinning, woodworking, pottery, jewellery, cutlery, leatherwork and stained glass.
THE PLEASURE OF THE TASTE BUDS
Because a stay in Provence is inevitably punctuated by aperitifs, meals and tastings of local products, the winegrowers of the Vaucluse compete in originality to organise events throughout the summer.
Listening to jazz at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, discovering a vineyard at sunset, practising yoga in the early hours of the morning in the vineyards or having a drink with the winegrowers while listening to live music, it’s all possible in Vaucluse!
And don’t forget the “food truck” evenings where you can enjoy simple and convivial dishes.
NIGHT VISITS
In the summer, Provence can be visited at night: a whole range of guided tours, but also nature outings and hikes allow you todiscover the different facets of the villages, the flora and fauna or the great and small stories of the department.
Whether you want to admire the sunset on Mont Ventoux or discover a village by lantern light, there are many dates scheduled throughout the summer to liven up your evenings!
THE MUST-SEE EVENTS
Festivals and local life in the evening
With summer comes the promise of major theatre, dance and music festivals…
It is also the return of the producers’ evening markets: the stalls unfold in the cool of the day, come and find all the products of local producers and craftsmen in all the villages of the Vaucluse, such as the farmers’ market in Coustellet on Wednesday evening, the producers’ evening market in Pernes-les-Fontaines and Lourmarin.
This is why, with all these different activities available, Provence, and more particularly the Vaucluse, are very attractive in terms of slow tourism. There are many places to see or visit on foot, by bike or mountain bike.
So don’t wait any longer, and let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the Provencal landscape.